Culture and customs on the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have a rich culture. The culture on the Canary Islands is influenced a lot by the Spanish and Portuguese cultures. These influences are brought to the Canary Islands in the 15th century when Spain and Portugal reigned the islands.

Handicraft

The people of the Canary Islands are incredibly proud on their handicrafts which they have perfected through the centuries. Every island has its own specialty of traditional handicraft. For example, on Tenerife you will find traditional pottery made in Guanche style and on El Hierro you can buy carpets which are hand weaved. All the handicrafts on all the Canary Islands are still traditionally made.

Carnaval de Santa Cruz

Every year in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnaval is celebrated with a huge festival. This is, after Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), the biggest Carnaval festival in the world. For four days the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the stage for colorful parades. Every year the new Queen of the Carnaval is elected.

Lucha Canaria (Canarian Wrestling)

Canarian Wrestling is the national sport on the Canary Islands. This type of wrestling is done by two teams of each 12 members. Every match consists of 3 rounds and the team which wins 2 out of 3 rouds is the winner. Each island has teams which compete eachother. A good Canarian Wrestler can be as popular on the Canary Islands as a good football player can be popular in Spain